After weeks of unusually dry conditions and growing drought concerns across the region, Marion County saw a dramatic shift in the weather pattern late last week as rounds of heavy rain and storms moved through the area beginning Thursday and continuing into the weekend.
According to the Marion County Highway Department, crews responded to more than 20 downed trees across the county as saturated ground combined with wind and stormy conditions led to trees falling onto roadways.
In a public statement shared over the weekend on Facebook, Marion County Highway Department Superintendent Cory Pickett praised highway department employees for their work during the severe weather.
“Over the weekend we have had more than 20 trees go down throughout the county,” Pickett said. “I would like to thank our crews for being there and going out in these conditions to open up the roads day and night. Their hard work is definitely appreciated.”
The recent rainfall brought much-needed moisture to the area after several weeks of little to no significant rainfall had left portions of the region increasingly dry. Some nearby areas in Southeast Tennessee recorded multiple inches of rain during the recent weather system.
While the storms created hazardous travel conditions at times, the rainfall helped ease drought concerns and improved ground conditions throughout the Tennessee Valley.
Forecasts for Marion County show the wet pattern continuing over the next week, with a mix of clouds and sunshine expected and about a 50% chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms expected. Temperatures are forecast to remain with daytime highs generally in the upper 70s to mid 80s and overnight lows in the mid and upper 60s.
County officials continue encouraging motorists to use caution, especially on backroads and wooded areas where weakened trees and debris could still pose hazards following the recent storms.
